This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

RPNM Statement on the Tragic Loss of Alamogordo Law Enforcement Officer

Otero County, July 17 — On Sunday, Alamogordo police officer Anthony Ferguson died from his injuries after being shot following a routine traffic stop on Saturday. The alleged shooter was out on pretrial release for previous felony and misdemeanor charges, including pulling a gun on officers in January of this year.

The Republican Party of New Mexico's First Vice Chairwoman and Otero County Commissioner for District 2, Amy Barela, issued the following statement:

"Officer Anthony Ferguson was an exceptional individual who served in the Alamogordo Police Department for 11 years, demonstrating unwavering commitment, bravery, selflessness, and a genuine passion for upholding justice. This tragedy reminds us of the inherent risks law enforcement officers face daily while safeguarding our streets and protecting the lives of New Mexicans.

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Traffic Alert - I-25 project north of T or C to finish paving

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One will be completing the bridge repairs and paving operations to the I-25 bridge in Southwest, NM. 
 
Hasse Contracting Co. (Contractor) will be completing bridge repairs on I-25 north of T or C, NM. The southbound passing or driving lanes will be closed intermittently at milepost 124 for paving operations.  This project will start Tuesday, July 18, 2023, being completed by Friday, July 21, 2023, with operating hours from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Continue to use caution around workers and equipment in the area. Reduce your speed and follow posted signage.
 
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is committed to the safety of the traveling public and appreciates your cooperation during this work. For updated information go to: New Mexico Department of Transportation at www.nmroads.com  or call 511.

State Fire Marshal’s Office announces $75 million to go to local departments

The New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s office announced that $75 million from the state’s fire fund will be distributed to departments around the state. A total of 99 municipalities in New Mexico received $29,395,413 and 257 county stations received $40,765,656. A total of $75,814,631 was distributed for fiscal year 2024, a 5.6% increase over the fiscal year 2023 distribution of$71,765,073. The New Mexico Fire fund is funded through a small portion of insurance premiums.  

“The State Fire Marshal’s office is pleased to provide this vital funding to departments large and small across the state. I know that a well-funded and well-trained department is important for everyone’s safety and with this funding, we’re supporting operations, equipment and training at a record level,” said State Fire Marshal Randy Varela.  

The application period to apply for the Fire Grant Fund is now open. Departments must submit applications before August 31st. 

Read more for information on each county and city.

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Senate Republicans Issue Statement on Passing of Alamogordo Police Officer

SANTA FE — Late Sunday, the Alamogordo Police Department announced that Officer Anthony Ferguson, who was shot in the line of duty on July 15, 2023, passed away in an El Paso hospital. Officer Ferguson is survived by his mother, father, four brothers, his daughter, and son.

Officer Ferguson was shot in a confrontation following a routine traffic stop that escalated to a car chase. The suspect who was shot and injured by police in the incident was also involved in an officer-involved shooting in early January.

Senator Bill Burt (R-Alamogordo) and Senator Ron Griggs (R-Alamogordo) issued the following statement:

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State Reps Block and Lord on tragic shooting of Alamogordo Officer Ferguson

Statement from Rep. John Block on the passing of Alamogordo Police Officer Ferguson

"Words cannot express our community's grief with the tragic loss of Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson, who was murdered by a man who should never have been allowed to see the light of day, much less walk our community's streets.

Today is a bleak day in Alamogordo for every citizen to know that one of the best of us was needlessly killed at the hands of evil. My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Ferguson's family, but my condolences do not stop there.

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NMSU Regents provide presidential search updates

At a special meeting Friday morning, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents provided updates on the search process for the university’s next leader. Importantly, the university’s next top leader will be a president, not a chancellor. This change restores a previous title and structure the university has used throughout most of its history.


 
During the meeting, the board also announced the membership of the search committee tasked with helping find NMSU’s next president. That committee includes: Ben Woods – Chair, Georgina Badoni, Citlalli Benitez, Susanne Berger, Neal Bitsie, Wanda Bowman, Maria de Boyrie, Christopher Brown, Abel Covarrubias, Leslie Edgar, Gaylene Fasenko, Patricio Gonzales, John Heckendorn, Christian Hendrickson, Scott Hutchinson, Lionell Manlutac, Sabrina Martin, Donald Martinez, Enrico Pontelli, Marisa Sage, Steve Stochaj, Kimberly Stone, Mónica Torres, John Wenzel and Cynthia Wise.

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NM Department of Veterans' Services monthly newsletter

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services monthly newsletter for July 2023 below-

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Registration open for free New Mexico Agritourism Symposium

New Mexico Department of Agriculture to host event Aug. 14 in Las Cruces

Haga clic aquí para español.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – If you're in the New Mexico agritourism industry, or if you're wanting to get into the business, you don't want to miss this opportunity. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is hosting the first-ever, free New Mexico Agritourism Symposium from 12 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14 at the Mesilla Valley Maze in Las Cruces.

The symposium will include roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, dinner and a presentation on the free NEW MEXICO–Taste the Tradition and NEW MEXICO–Grown with Tradition Logo Program, which aims to promote New Mexico products and identify them as grown or made in the state.

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